Best Things About Growing Up in North Dakota

Growing up in North Dakota, I got to experience lots of things: beautiful sunsets, fresh snowfall across the open fields, small-town community, and the sights and smells of the fall harvest every year. The benefits of growing up in North Dakota are endless and have shaped me into the adult I am today.

North Dakota has been in the headlines a lot the past few years, thanks to the oil boom in the western part of the state. What you might not know from the headlines is what it’s like to be a native of the Peace Garden State, and all the great benefits that growing up there has to offer.

Below are some of my favorite things about growing up in North Dakota.

You’re Only a Few Miles Drive From Paradise

Country roads | Source

With a population of just over 723,000, North Dakota ranks 48th in the U.S. in terms of population. As you can probably imagine, the majority of people living in North Dakota reside in very rural, small towns, so the wild side of the state is typically only a short drive out of town.

Most of my childhood weekends were spent driving down gravel roads to spot deer, taking a trip to my grandma’s childhood farm in the countryside, and fishing in one of the many lakes across the eastern part of the state.

During the summertime, the wheat and sunflower fields are as familiar as the many families of whitetail deer feeding in the pastures. In fact, on almost every trip out of town you can be sure to spot wildlife, often many types of wildlife.

Most Common Wildlife You Can See in North Dakota

Mammals

Fish

Birds

Coyote

Walleye

Duck

Mink

Perch

Goose

Fox

Northern

Pheasant

Raccoon

Carp

Meadowlark

Deer

Crappie

Finches

Moose

Pike

Blue Jays

Bison

Bass

Robins

You Get the Best of Both Worlds

The city of Fargo, ND | Source

While the rural beauty of North Dakota is spectacular, you get the best of both worlds, urban and rural, growing up in North Dakota.

The population of Fargo, the state’s largest city, is nearly 114,000. Other major towns include Grand Forks, Bismarck, and Minot.

My mom had the opportunity to take us shopping or to movies or cultural events when we were younger. I also have many memories of our family traveling to nearby larger cities like Winnipeg, Canada, to the north, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, where we would visit metropolitan museums or the Mall of America.

If you are looking for a small, quiet place to raise a family, that nevertheless offers children cultural experiences in cities within driving distance, having your own children grow up in North Dakota might just be the perfect compromise.

You Learn Strength of Character

North Dakota blizzard | Source

North Dakota’s harsh climate is not for the faint of heart. Extremes can go from 40 degrees below zero in the winter to over 100 degrees above in the summer. Many of us who grew up in North Dakota remember blizzards that left our doors and windows covered in snow and the excitement of getting to sleep a little later in the morning when the news announced schools were closed during the harshest of winter days.

If there is one positive thing about North Dakota’s weather, it’s that it allows you to experience the extreme challenge of winter as well as the beautiful warmth of summer. We learned how to dig our homes out after extreme snowfall, battle the flood of the Red River in the spring, play in the leaves in the fall, and spend time tailgating with our neighbors in the summer.

There is perhaps no better feeling of triumph than that first warm day of spring, when the snow melts and everyone breaks out their shorts and sandals when it's barely 60 degrees!

Overcoming the harsh weather builds strength of character. Including:

Discipline

Willpower

Supportiveness

Dignity

Flexibility

Kindness

Selflessness

Adaptability

Resiliency

Have you ever visited North Dakota?

Everybody Knows Your Name

I grew up in a town of about 600 people. It was so small that we had to cooperate with other smaller surrounding towns for sports and school activities. Yet this small-town charm, I believe, allowed me to develop empathy for others and build close relationships with many people who I am still in contact with today.

In fact, growing up in a small North Dakota town, everybody really does know your name—the pastors, the business owners, all your teachers, your neighbors, and even the nosy ladies down the street who will be sure to tell your parents if they see you misbehave!

That sense of community is what made my childhood charming. You always felt like someone was looking out for you. The community watched you grow up, came to your school concerts, and showed up at your graduation party.

As an adult, I miss the feeling of community from my childhood in North Dakota that is so woven into the culture.

Safe and Sound

Girl riding bike in neighborhood | Source

That close-knit sense of community also allowed me to grow up in an environment that kept me safe and sound. As kids, we all played outside. After our moms gave us an after-school snack, we were free to play with our friends and neighborhood kids until dinner time.

No one worried about crime or kidnappings. For the most part, kids didn’t really get into trouble because there wasn’t much to get into trouble with! We used our creativity to make up games in the backyard or invited our friends over to play a game in the house or ride bikes around the block.

Moms and dads didn’t worry about the safety of their children after school, because for the most part, North Dakota communities are great places to raise a family and neighbors watch out for one another.

You Can Step Back Into Time

To a kid, North Dakota offered a plethora of fun family vacation locales that allowed you to feel as though you were stepping back into time. Whether viewing the wild bison in the sestern part of the state, or visiting the Old West town of Medora, we let our imaginations run wild as we explored our state’s history.

Some favorite vacation spots that offer the opportunity to step back into time:

Visiting the T-Rex and other history at the Dickinson Museum.

Frontier Village, a recreated prairie town near Jamestown.

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

The majestic buttes of the Badlands in western North Dakota.

The Skills You Learn Last a Lifetime

One of the great things about my North Dakota upbringing is that it allowed me to make mistakes in a safe, loving environment, and build skills that I still rely on today as an adult and as a professional.

The long winters teach you survival skills (see above!) while the realities of living in a rural, agricultural community instill qualities like a good work ethic in young people. Having a great work ethic is something that you can boast about on your resume long after your childhood has ended.

Thanks to my childhood, I learned how to tap into my creativity. While rural communities offer a safe, stable environment, you often have to get very creative to keep busy, as commercial entertainment, shopping, and movies are quite a long drive away. Creativity is a highly valued skill in my current profession and one I am grateful to have developed at a young age.

I also learned to be versatile, adaptable, and flexible. Going to a small school and graduating in a class of only 15 students, kids were able to participate in everything from band and choir to speech, the school play, and any sport they were interested in.

The Land of Opportunity

North Dakota oil rig | Source

Growing up in North Dakota gave me an appreciation for the little things: driving to the slightly larger town 30 miles away to have pizza night, or watching our favorite movie as a family on TV during the weekend. The harsh climate, beautiful terrain, and small-town life instilled in me a sense of gratitude for everything I have today.

Today, with the oil boom, North Dakota truly is the land of opportunity. Raising children in the state today is sure to open up a world of opportunities for them and their families, as it did for me.

North Dakota Nice

North Dakota nice | Source

"North Dakota nice" is not just an expression; it truly is a way of life for the folks who live across the Peace Garden State. I may be biased, but I’m not sure you can find nicer people anywhere else in the U.S. of A.

In fact, you can’t drive down a dirt road or small town in North Dakota today without seeing the oh-so-familiar one-finger wave that almost every driver offers to their fellow passer-by on the road. A small gesture, saying hi to people on the road even if you do not know them, is just one example of the friendly folks I grew up with who still make the state a great place to live today.

Are you a fellow North Dakotan who grew up in the state of the wild prairie rose? Share your own childhood experiences in the comments!

Comments

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Kristen Howe 2 years agofrom Northeast Ohio

Great hub about living in North Dakota. It sounds like a great place to visit too.

nicole 2 years ago

Born and raised in ND..I did get out and got to go to Fla, then lived a short time as I took care of my niece in HI, as my brother and wife were stationed there. My brother( Navy vet.), passed away a few years ago. He always wanted to come home to ND. Buried at ND veterans cemetary. Winters can b long, but I'm thankful we have warm hearts.

Kaye 2 years ago

I grew up on a farm near Lankin in eastern North Dakota. Graduated high school with 1o classmates and as a result was able to experience all sorts of leadership and service roles. I moved south for awhile two times; but happily choose to be a North Dakotan. I missed the neighborly finger wave! Bringing up my children here was the only way to go!

Carol 2 years ago

Grew up here. Left to Maryland and came back. Must say family and way of life is great in ND . Live on the eastern side but love going west and southwest anytime of year. Really enjoyed seeing oil rigs recently in the west but mostly a great family get together in Roseglen.

Author

WheelerWife 2 years agofrom Minnesota

hey Cari Jean - glad to see another fellow NoDaker here :) I know what you mean about the small graduating class. My class had 15 kids.... isn't it funny how people think you are joking when you tell them stories like that? Just one of the many perks of growing up in this great State!

Cari Jean 2 years agofrom Bismarck, ND

I grew up in Watford City, ND with a graduating class of 67. I feel blessed to have been raised in a small town in this wonderful state. I moved away to North Carolina for a couple of years but ended up moving back home. I guess I just couldn't stay away! I currently live in Bismarck and we have seen a lot of changes in the 11 years since we moved here - much more traffic, increase in crime rate and more drugs but despite all that, I still think North Dakota is a great state in which to live!

Brad 3 years ago

Was born in Jamestown and grew up in Abercrombie and later in maddock. Love the memories of playing in the guard houses of Fort Abercrombie with my uncle. Nothing beats going to a school that houses all 13 grades and know everyone there. I've moved on to tx., ca., az. And now co., but will always remember and love the time I spent in a town of 200.

Andrea Backes 3 years ago

I grew up in Fargo, and my folks are from Minot. I had a great upbringing in Fargo, and am so very proud to be from NoDak. I live and work in the Twin Cities, and when I meet someone at work who is stellar at their job, I find they are invariably from North Dakota. I am not kidding!!!!! I have come to expect it.

Annette (proud NoDak farmer/rancher) 3 years ago

North Dakota is a small town with very long streets. I was born and raised and still live within 60 miles of my farm home in central ND. It is very common to visit with a person, say you are from ND and end up knowing some of the same people (thus the long streets).

Arvid C. Haas 3 years ago

I was born the 10th of 10 children on the home farm located about 10 miles southwest of Park River. I currently live in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. There is something about being raised on that North Dakota farm that calls me back there at least a couple times each year. I have traveled a great deal (20 years in the Navy), but when I drive in the driveway to the home farm I am home. No other place I have lived can come close to that feeling. My dad arrived at Ellis Island at age 17 by himself in 1906 from Geithus, Norway with $10.00 to his name. My mother arrived at Ellis Island from Solor, Norway at age 19 with $25.00 to her name. They met and married in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1912. They bought the home farm pretty much on a note since they did not have much money. When they passed away they left us three farms. All three of those farms sit empty today and a neighbor farms the land. I will always consider North Dakota my home!! It has been good to us! I am age 80, my two sisters are 89 and 95 and we are all doing quite well as of today!!

ND2VA 3 years ago

Good read. I seriously thought one of my classmates wrote this piece. Grew up in Pembina, population about 600 and my graduating class also had 15 students. I loved all the adventures we went on, in and around our small town. Wouldn't trade any of it for the world. I've live in Virginia for over 20 years, but still go HOME at least twice a year to see family and remember where my roots are planted. My friends here joke that I must be related to the only "5" people that they think live in the state. (they're only half right) ;)

Tara White 3 years ago

I grew up on a small ranch/farm in the southwest corner of the state. Went to college at NDSU. My husband and I are now retired and spend winters in Florida and the rest of the year wherever the mood takes us. We go back to N Dak every summer to visit my Dad. I loved growing up there where my best friend was a horse that took me anywhere I wanted to go

Jenn B. 3 years ago

I was born and raised in Fargo and looking back had a wonderful childhood! My Dad was a plaster man and so one winter he built me an igloo in the backyard. We had a camper and so my family spent many summers on lakes fishing and enjoying time together. I've lived in Indianapolis, IN for the last 20 years but Fargo and ND in general will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart! I miss the authentic German food, the kneophla soup from Mom's Kitchen, the fun businesses on Broadway, biking to and around Lindenwood and Gooseberry parks and the the resourcefulness and help-a-neighbor mentality. I always squeal if I see a ND license plate here and I want to stop them and start a conversation with them. I especially miss driving out in the country with my Dad while he was hunting whatever the hunting season was. It took me a long time to fall in love with the ND countryside but I sure did! Thanks for your article and the great memories it stirred up! :)

jordi albert 3 years ago

Raised on farm in Erie

Tara kennison 3 years ago

Bethany that was beautifully. I can't wait to go to North Dakota to see my beloved. Nephew. My brother. And sister in law. I love and miss u all very very much. I hope its sooner than later

Dawn Jasmann 3 years ago

My husband and I were both born in Jamestown ND and were raised on farms. Him to the NE of town and me to the SW of town. We were high school sweethearts and graduated from JHS. We've been married 35 years and a few years back we bought our own farm just 5 miles from where he grew up. When my kids were little we had a young man from Germany visiting us. He had been noticing that we always waved at everyone. Finally one day he asked me if I really know everyone. I told him no then he asked, "So why do you wave at everyone?" I told him it's just what we do. What's not to love about North Dakota and the people who live here!

Harley 3 years ago

I grew up on a ranch north of Killdeer, a mile west of the Little Missouri state park. I have lived in Tennessee, California, and Colorado, and when the company I worked for offered me the opportunity to relocate to Bismarck, I jumped for joy! Yeah, the winters can be tough, but the people who live here are up to the challenge! North Dakota is the best place to live and raise a family. Should we pass on the road, you will see me give you the one-fingered wave!

Billie Neer Mills 3 years ago

I grew up in Williston and spent many days in my father's childhood area of Alexander. Always a great time. I loved North Dakota. The oil boom has surely taken its toll on those two places now. I live in Kentucky now, but still have family in North Dakota. Haven't been back since 1995... planning on a trip soon.

Kevin 3 years ago

I grew up on a farm outside of Rolette and learned what work was, I moved away 30 years ago and I still miss home.

Claudine Guttromson Hanson 3 years ago

I grew up in Esmond, Benson County, ND and truly miss it. We live in south central Wisconsin after having lived in Alabama, Maryland, and Ohio for military and work. Each day I want to push away these Wisconsin trees and people, and see to the next hill or distant horizon like at home in ND. My husband, a Minnesota native, tells our sons there is a pretty girl behind every tree in ND and he's got her. He is amazed how we know so many, or are related to so many, as well as the sharing of responsibilities, work, and community. Nowhere else have we experienced that ethic. I miss it and love to return when possible.

Laurel K Olson 3 years ago

I enjoyed your writing about North Dakota. I was born and raised near Oberon, ND and am very thankful growing up on homestead Norwegian family farm. I have lived in Valley City and Fargo during college years, Bismarck (and experienced the miracle of being alive after being run by a car over on the Missouri River sandbar in May 1973), Ft Yates and Selfridge as Sioux County Ext Home Economist, Devils Lake for work. I moved to Tulsa, OK almost 20 years ago. I remember running outside in the rain and loving the feel of it on my face (and I still do), looking for rainbows. shoveling snow more times than I can count, picking eggs in a bucket, being chased by a rooster, riding a horse, driving trunk around in the field during harvest and watching for that hand waving on the combine to come and drive under the grain spout to load the truck with wheat, oats, barley or flax seed. The grainery was the next stop to unload the grain by shoveling the grain out to a waiting auger that carried the grain into the storage area. I loved to see flax bloom and the field open up like a lake of ski blue water! The open spaces and seeing for miles and miles! My most favorite though is the amazing and breathtaking sunsets that are like no other in this country!!!

Katherine 3 years ago

I grew up in Oakes and then Valley City and I wouldn't trade my childhood for anything! Fantastic place! North Dakota nice is right!

Adena Kelley 3 years ago

We moved to Minot six years ago from a rural town in East Texas. We love it here and believe it's a great place to raise kids. We moved here because of oil and when our home was destroyed in 2011 in Minot, we saw the absolute best of people coming together to help.

Faye Heine Baker 3 years ago

I was born and raised in ND. My two children where born and raised here as well. I left ND in 1988 and returned in 2008. On the yearly trip back to Mercer County my pulse would increase and tears would swell in my eyes as I crested the hills and saw the Knife River valley. I came back to a changed ND. But a lot of the "old" is still here. My grandchildren's generation is beginning to carry on the NoDak tradition of caring and sharing. All four returned the same time I did. What a treat to be able to go to small town football games and root for my kin! I'm proud to be from North Dakota. And so is my Michigan state born and raised husband. the land and the people converted him! He's a adopted NoDaker!

Gaynor Henry 3 years ago

We are from wildly different backgrounds; my husband was born and raised and lived his entire life in Chicago. I was born in the UK, emigrated at 13 to Canada and moved to Illinois after marrying my husband (all legally). We left Chicago 5 years ago for Grafton, ND, and have never looked back. We wouldn't live anywhere else and consider ourselves North Dakotans (despite my hubby's accent and my pronounced British accent). Our plate is ND LVRS - we are and we do!

Jerry Kleinssser 3 years ago

This brings back so many memories. Just wish I could relive those days.

Roger 3 years ago

Having lived the majority of my life in ND has been wonderful. Experiencing different places around the state as we worked in a number of different school settings and the DPI gave us a real opportunity to enjoy a variety of this great state. It was refreshing to read this tribute to ND. We have shared a lot of the same experiences the various responders mentioned including the one-room schoolhouse and outhouses. Spent a year teaching in Corunna, Michigan and experienced the claustrophobic feeling of being surrounded by trees, people and obscured vision. We were glad to get back home and are currently wintering in AZ with our return to ND coming soon.

Loralie 3 years ago

Thanks, for sharing your story. I grew up not too far from the Peace Gardens on a farm near Rolette. I've lived a lot of different places and I have to say...it's good to be back. The friendly, giving, and hard working people of ND are amazing.

Lester 3 years ago

grew up in Columbus/Crosby and you pretty much knew everybody in the northwest part of NoDak. Don't see old friends as much as I'd like but they will always be my BEST FRIENDS. North Dakota and its people are awesome.

ndakian 3 years ago

One of the best things about growing up in North Dakota is that you do know everyone. I no longer live there but I have never stopped thinking of myself as a North Dakotan. These days if I run into a fellow NoDakian it takes about 10 minutes of conversation before we can find a common bond and more than likely have a mutual acquaintance.

Kristine 3 years ago

I grew up in Crosby ND, which is also my mom's hometown. I now live in Minot. Times have changed with the influx of oil and drugs coming into out state. The people who grew up here are still North Dakota nice and we will not let others change us or our home.

Sears 3 years ago

Having been born in ND, Fargo, lived in Grand Forks, Minot, Norwich, West Fargo, Glenburn, and Mandan, I can honestly say I have been about all over the state. I no longer live there, I live in Maryland now, having lived in other states along the way, but no matter where you are in N. Dakota, whether that is in the North or South, East or West, you can always come back to visit old schoolmates (my best friend of 40 years is still there in Burlington) and some of my most favorite relatives are still there in Minot and Grandforks. And those people still great you as if you had never left, N. Dakota is proabably the friendliest group of people that I have ever lived with or visited. Folks from "NODAK" share a sense of "helping thy neighbor" like no other place I have lived in. Have always been proud to say I was from N. Dakota, even if I got "Is that part of the Union?" or "Isn't that part of Canada?" in response. And it is always a pleasure to meet up with some radom person from HOME when I have lived in other cities away from home, we talk about the great memories, growing up N. Dakota and where we have been. Though I will probably never move back, it is always good to know that when I come home I am always welcomed!

Ethyl 3 years ago

This article was refreshing and I loved reading the comments. Born in McKenzie County a good number of years ago, I totally enjoyed most every aspect of the rural life except the 'outdoor privy'. Attending a one-room rural school did not limit my education although we felt we

were denied some of the benefits of the "city life". We were able to raise our family in a rural setting and our children seem grateful for the experiences.

nancy 3 years ago

very nice post of nd living, i have lived in minot for 20 yrs an would never raise my kids anywhere elsed, have lived all over and nd is the best

Carol 3 years ago

great article and reminder of how good life was back when I was growing up. The downside of growing up there and seeing for miles and miles is I'm claustrophobic in places where my line of sight is limited. Can't spend long periods of time in big cities, unless I'm on the top floor and can see out for miles and miles. Wide open spaces makes me happy.

Marie 3 years ago

I was born in grand forks then moves to a small town in the south western corner of the state before I turned six. We lived an hour south west of Bismarck and I love that when I grew up I could ride my bike down the middle of the street or in circles in the intersections and everyone would either go around me or wait till I was done before continuing down the street. I have lived in other place and am currently living in Montana but in he time that I have been gone I have also learned that home isn't just where your heart is. I go home every so often to see my family that still lives in that small town with my kids. I love north Dakota and the meaning it gives to beauty.

Gene 3 years ago

having been born in Bottineau and grown up in Crosby, one of the best parts of North Dakota living is I still have hundreds of people who have been friends for 30 - 40 - 50 - 60 years and we can still have a good laugh and joke and a warm hug whenever we meet.

Author

WheelerWife 3 years agofrom Minnesota

bobbi allen - aww, what a nice memory! Thanks for sharing it with us :)

bobbi allen 3 years ago

Yep, i grew up in stanton. My favorite thing when i visit is the smell of the river and lakes As i drive through the hills between center and stanton after dark. there will never be a more"home" feeling for me. I cried last time i smelled that.

Author

WheelerWife 3 years agofrom Minnesota

Oly Olafson - great comment! I love that you still do the one finger wave :)

Oly Olafson 3 years ago

Born and raised in the small Icelandic Community of Mountain. Grew up in Grand Forks was fortunate to attend college in Bottineau and continued my education in Grand Forks at The University of North Dakota. I grew up and am still living in North Dakota. Still do the finger wave at oncoming traffic and to all the farmers in the fields. Today I travel statewide for work and am fortunate to have friends across this great state. A wonderful to grow up and live...

Author

WheelerWife 3 years agofrom Minnesota

Curt Skarloken that's so great you are able to get back to ND every summer to relive some of your memories!

Curt Skarloken 3 years ago

I grew up in North Dakota. Lived on a farm outside of Wimbledon, then in Wimbledon. The people there knew who's kid you were, and took note of the shenanigans they saw. Of course the next day we were reminded of same, along with added chores etc.

Life lessons, learned and lived in Wimbledon, Jamestown or Valley City and small farming communities nearby (within 25 to 30 miles of each other) has been at the root of raising two successful children. We now live in Columbus, Ohio but still travel back to ND every summer to visit relatives and friends.

Author

WheelerWife 3 years agofrom Minnesota

Marla Svihl - what a peaceful childhood! Thank you for commenting. You truly cannot trade in the spacious, peaceful opportunities we enjoy in ND.

Marla Svihl 3 years ago

I'm number 11 out of 15 children. Grew up on a farm, at the time; thought it was the worst of times! Looking back, it was the best of times! Always wanted to live in Dickinson, where we shopped and visited often. Especially, when it rained. I now live in Dickinson, wish I could live back out in the country. We had a 3/4 mile distance from a main road. So we could walk naked and nobody would see! We knew ever path, rock and cranny. Had so much to do, we learned how to work; yet had so much fun! I cherish my life! I see the value of family and the freedom we grew up with! I thank God, for all of the opportunities I thought were less, but are simply "golden" experiences. Wish our grandchildren could all have the same experiences. Life was "Quality".

Author

WheelerWife 3 years agofrom Minnesota

Ginger - what a nice story! A true example of North Dakota nice!

Ginger 3 years ago

I grew up in Larimore and Grand Forks AFB in 1961-1971. North Dakota was a wonderful place to grow up. Even though we had no family there the people took us under their wing and were like family to my brother my parents and myself. I have reconnected with the Larson's in Larimore and they have made me feel like family all over again.

Author

WheelerWife 3 years agofrom Minnesota

Jozee - LOL, the pointer finger, of course :)

Becky - how nice that you feel so at home in ND! Thanks for checking out my hub.

Becky 3 years ago

i didn't grow up here my husband did. But I wouldn't trade raising my children here for anything! I hated growing up in rural IL but I love North Dakota the attitude of the whole state is different! When my family moved here I felt like we had come home.

Jozee 3 years ago

I think you need to specify which finger we use for the one-finger wave in North Dakota :)

Author

WheelerWife 3 years agofrom Minnesota

Hi Bonnie Kaczmarek lol what a great memory! Very true - you get great at driving through just about any kind of weather in North Dakota!

Bonnie Kaczmarek 3 years ago

My husband grew up in the south western area of North Dakota. One thing always noticeable to me, that guy can drive through anything. When he was young and lived on the farm, if you couldn't drive through the last snowstorm you stayed home.

Author

WheelerWife 3 years agofrom Minnesota

Hi Dan Reister - living in Texas sounds pretty nice right around this time of year when we're pretty cold up North

Dan Reister 3 years ago

I lived in Jamestown from 1967-1996. Graduated from Jamestown. I'm retired military and reside south of Ft Worth TX. I wish someday to live there again. I miss the lifestyle, people and the seasons. No place like it and I can say I've traveled the world and only a few places came close.

Author

WheelerWife 3 years agofrom Minnesota

Hi Toni Tuttle Thompson - what great memories! Those are some of the things I loved best about growing up in ND, too!

Toni Tuttle Thompson 3 years ago

Hi..I grew up in Jamestown.I have always felt that was such a blessing! Such great memories...living in a small ,safe town,everyone looked out for each other.I still miss Jamestown.

Author

WheelerWife 3 years agofrom Minnesota

Hi Gary Harstad - thanks so much for your comment. The Jamestown area is really beautiful!

Audrey Heupel - how cool you were born and raised in rural ND, too! Thanks for stopping by!

Audrey Heupel 3 years ago

I was born and raised on a farm in ND and am so glad I was. From very small town Ypsilanti. Love going back and seeing all my family still there. I am a long ways away now in AZ, but will never forget my upbringing.

Gary Harstad 3 years ago

Very nice, My wife and I both born and raised in Jamestown. The only place I have been that has 3 beautiful parks. Wish I knew who the guitar player is on your video.

Author

WheelerWife 3 years agofrom Minnesota

Hi denise.w.anderson, or should I say "fellow North Dakotan"?! Thanks for sharing your ND story - I love North Dakota, too! Thanks for checking out my hub :)

Denise W Anderson 3 years agofrom Bismarck, North Dakota

Although I did not grow up in North Dakota, my husband and his family did. We met at college out in Idaho and shortly thereafter, I became a North Dakotan! I love this state. It is clean, beautiful, and the people here have become our friends and neighbors. We currently live in Bismarck, but have also lived in several places around the state. It has been a great place to raise our family!

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